Sightseeing in Riyadh - what to see. Complete travel guide

1. Foreign guests should keep in mind specific aspects of behavior during a vacation in the city. It is not recommended to appear in the streets in too bright and provoking clothes as it will be interpreted rather negatively. Tourists are as well recommended to avoid sentiments in any form in public, even married couples should avoid hand in hand walking in the city.
2. Local people have a rather strict attitude to alcohol too, being drunk in public is considered to be one of the most serious offences. Alcohol consumption is allowed only in special places, some restaurants even don’t have a wine list.
3. An optimum way to pay for goods and services is national currency. Every bank, private exchange office and ATM renders a currency exchange service. Special automated machines are set all over the city. Tourists will find ATMs close to financial institutions as well as in big shopping centers.
4. Shopaholics should keep in mind that at the weekend the shops are heavily overcrowded. Weekdays are the best period for a quiet shopping there. All the big shopping centers and malls have adopted a wireless cash transfer system.
5. Travelers should remember that alcohol as well as drugs transit is forbidden being one of the most serious crimes. Tourists being on regular drug treatment need to learn all the drug rules in advance. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
6. Utility supplied voltage is 220V, some electric appliances may need adapters and connectors to function properly. These items can be demanded in a hotel, however it is recommended to check the devices’ compatibility and buy adapters in advance.
7. Tips are essential in restaurants and cafes, which amount depends on the establishment standard. In upscale restaurants it is better to add 15% to a total sum, meanwhile in small budgetary restaurants and cafes tips can be about 7-10% of total sum.
Tourists will discover ancient fortresses and museums, modern sky-scrapers and exhibition centers among numerous sites and landmarks of Riyadh. The Diraya district is a recommended starting … Open
8. Most local shops don’t have a standard working schedule. They usually open at 9 am or earlier and serve clients until 8-9 pm. Some shops can have a lunch break during a day which may last for three hours. But commonly these breaks are quite short. Almost every shop welcomes bargaining and easily reduces prices for the goods.
9. The only day off of all city establishments is Friday. A shortened working day is considered to be Thursday, on Thursdays all the shops and banks can be closed already at 12:00-13:00.
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Saudi Arabia: travelling advices

7. You should start the conversations from afar to demonstrate politeness. You should not talk on the subject of women's rights, politics, and religion. Do not put your hands in your pockets. You should not touch the person you are talking to. You should greet men with a handshake. You can say Hello to women only with permission. You need to take off your shoes when entering houses and mosques. You can't sit cross-legged and point your foot at the other person. You should give something to the other person only with your right hand.
8. The public transport system is poorly developed. Buses run through the cities. But stops are not even announced in them. Most residents travel by taxi and their own cars. You can pay using the meter in a taxi. You can also agree on the price before getting into the car. Official taxis are white. But there are numerous illegal taxis at airports. You should not use their services. The man sits next to the driver in the taxi, and the woman – in the back. Unmarried women are allowed to use the services of official taxi drivers.
9. Summers are extremely hot and dry in Saudi Arabia. The temperature reaches 50°C. Winters are quite cold and windy. The temperature drops to 0°C in some areas. It is better to plan trips for spring and autumn.
10. The level of security is very high in the country. The traveler has almost nothing to fear, except disorderly drivers. Traffic rules are almost not observed here. Drivers drive at high speeds. They don't look in mirrors. You should be careful when driving and crossing the road. … Open

Tips for the cities around Riyadh

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